Government unveils Rs2 billion Ramazan relief package

The package is applicable on items of every day use.

ISLAMABAD: The government on Tuesday unveiled a Rs2 billion Ramazan relief package providing subsidies on 13 essential items and selling about 1,500 items on reduced rates through the Utility Stores.     

Federal Minister for Industries Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi told news agencies that 13 main items, including atta (flour), ghee, cooking oil, gram pulse, baisen (gram flour), rice and dates would be available on subsidized rates during the holy month of Ramazan under the relief package.

Besides the government subsidy, the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) will sell 1,500 items of everyday use at 5-10 per cent discounted prices, reducing its own profit margin in order to provide relief to the marginalized segments of society, he added.

The minister said that under the Ramazan package, the government would provide Rs120 subsidy on a 20 kg flour bag, which would be available at Rs655 at USC outlets as compared to Rs785 in the open market.

Likewise, the price of ghee would be reduced by Rs40 per kg, cooking oil by Rs30 per liter, gram pulse and baisen by Rs20 per kg each and dates by Rs40 per kg, he added.

Jatoi said that rice basmati would be discounted by Rs30 per kg, tea by Rs130 per kg and milk by Rs11 per kg.

He said that the package would be applicable from Tuesday as the USC outlets in rural areas would remain open every day from 9am to 7pm and from 10am to 10pm in urban areas to facilitate customers.

Besides existing stores, the corporation will provide essential commodities at controlled rates during Ramazan trough mobile outlets and stalls at all Friday and Sunday Bazaars, he added.

He said that arrangements had been made to maintain a smooth supply of good quality commodities during the holy month.

He warned the officers of the USC and the Ministry of Industries of strict action in cases of adulteration, hoarding and insufficient supply.

He said a proper mechanism of check and balance had been put in place to provide items of daily use to the people in a transparent way.

Inspection teams have been formed at zonal levels to take swift action against complaints while vigilance and audit teams also set up at zonal offices will inspect the USC warehouse on a daily basis and report to the head office, he added.

Jatoi said that a complaint cell had been set up the USC head office to address complaints from the customers while an operation cell at the Ministry of Industries would monitor the implementation of the Ramzan relief package.

The minister directed the USC officials to treat the customers politely and provide them the best possible services. He also urged the customers maintain discipline while purchasing items at the USCs.